Dunn defense granted $6,500 in tax money for investigator

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The judge in the Michael Dunn case granted a defense request Thursday for the use of $6,500 in tax money to hire a private investigator and to help with depositions.

Dunn appeared in court briefly at the pretrial hearing in the shooting death of 17-year-old Jordan Davis.

Dunn's attorney asked the court to have him declared indigent, but only so the cost of copies of depositions and for an investigator can be covered by the state.

If Dunn had a public defender, this wouldn't have been an issue. But because he has a private attorney, with a rate of $75,000, it is.

The judge granted the request, deciding to give Dunn a maximum of $6,500, despite concerns that Dunn was able to pay thousands for a private attorney.

Saturday will mark one year since Dunn shot and killed Davis outside a Southside gas station in a dispute over loud music, according to police.

Davis' parents were in court Thursday and also spoke about why they are remembering their son at Jacksonville Beach this Saturday and keeping his story alive.

"He was an excellent swimmer. He can outswim me and I'm a scuba diver," said Ron Davis, Jordan's father. "His mom put him in swimming classes and he loved the water, he loved going with me to Jax Beach."

"We feel very blessed, even out of all our tragedy, to have that platform, and that's the reason why we fight, why we want this country to know we're not going to give up on doing what we believe and know is right," said Lucia McBath, Jordan's mother.

Dunn's next court date is set for Dec. 12. The court plans to review a motion on whether or not Davis' family will be allowed in the courtroom during the trial, among other issues.

Dunn's trial is still on for Feb. 3.